FieldServer LonWorks 8700-21 Owner's manual

Brand: FieldServer

Model: LonWorks 8700-21

Category: Software

Type: Owner's manual

Driver Revision: 1.36

Document Revision: 1.B

FieldServer

FS-8700-21 LonWorks

Driver Manual

(Supplement to the FieldServer Instruction Manual)

APPLICABILITY & EFFECTIVITY

Effective for all systems manufactured after April 2019.

LonWorks Driver Manual

Contact Information

Technical Support

Please call us for any technical support needs related to the FieldServer product.

Sierra Monitor Corporation

1991 Tarob Court

Milpitas, CA 95035

Website: www.sierramonitor.com

U.S. Support Information:

+1 408 964-4443

+1 800 727-4377

Email: support@sierramonitor.com

EMEA Support Information:

+31 33 808 0590

Email: support.emea@sierramonitor.com

  LonWorks Driver Manual 
Table of Contents 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
  Description ........................................................................................................................................... 6 
  Definitions ............................................................................................................................................ 6 
1  NV Updates/Polls ............................................................................................................................ 6 
2  Network Management..................................................................................................................... 6 
2.1  LonWorks – Program ID Calculation (SPID) ........................................................................... 6 
3  Clients/Servers ............................................................................................................................... 7 
4  Explicit/Implicit ................................................................................................................................ 7 
5  XIF Files .......................................................................................................................................... 7 
6  Device Resource Files .................................................................................................................... 7 
7  NV Aliases ...................................................................................................................................... 7 
8  Configuration Properties ................................................................................................................. 8 
  Driver Scope of Supply ....................................................................................................................... 8 
1  Supplied by Sierra Monitor ............................................................................................................. 8 
2  Provided by the Supplier of 3
rd
 Party Equipment............................................................................ 8 
3  Additional Files Required ................................................................................................................ 8 
  Hardware Connections ........................................................................................................................ 9 
1  Service Pin ...................................................................................................................................... 9 
2  Neuron ID ....................................................................................................................................... 9 
3  Lon LED’s ....................................................................................................................................... 9 
  Data Array Parameters ...................................................................................................................... 10 
  Implicit Configurations ...................................................................................................................... 10 
1  Special Considerations ................................................................................................................. 10 
1.1  Map Descriptor Names (Network Variable Names) .............................................................. 10 
1.2  Implicit LonWorks Functions ................................................................................................. 11 
1.3  SNVT_Index .......................................................................................................................... 11 
1.4  Address Table Limit ............................................................................................................... 11 
1.5  Network Management Capability .......................................................................................... 11 
1.6  Client vs Server Mapping ...................................................................................................... 12 
2  Client Side Mapping...................................................................................................................... 12 
2.1  Client Side Connection Parameters ...................................................................................... 12 
2.2  Client Side Node Parameters ................................................................................................ 12 
2.3  Client Side Map Descriptor Parameters ................................................................................ 13 
2.3.1  FieldServer Related Map Descriptor Parameters .......................................................... 13 
2.3.2  Driver Related Map Descriptor Parameters ................................................................... 13 
2.3.3  Timing Parameters ......................................................................................................... 14 
2.4  Client Side Map Descriptor Example..................................................................................... 14 
  Explicit Configurations ..................................................................................................................... 15 
1  Special Considerations ................................................................................................................. 15 
1.1  Map Descriptor Names (Network Variable Names) .............................................................. 15 
1.2  LonWorks Functions .............................................................................................................. 15 
1.3  SNVT_Index .......................................................................................................................... 15 
1.4  Domain Table Setup .............................................................................................................. 16 
1.5  Network Management ........................................................................................................... 16 
2  Client Side Configuration .............................................................................................................. 17 
2.1  Client Side Connection Parameters ...................................................................................... 17 
2.2  Client Side Node Parameters ................................................................................................ 18 
2.3  Client Side Map Descriptor Parameters ................................................................................ 19 
2.3.1  Driver Related Map Descriptor Parameters ................................................................... 19 
2.3.2  Timing Parameters ......................................................................................................... 19 
2.4  Map Descriptor Examples ..................................................................................................... 20 
2.4.1  Explicit Config Using Network Management Polls ......................................................... 20 
2.4.2  Polling UNVT’s ............................................................................................................... 20 

  LonWorks Driver Manual 
Table of Contents 
7.2.5  Using Neuron ID to Address Devices (Client Drivers only) ................................................... 21 
7.3  Server Side Configuration ............................................................................................................ 22 
7.3.1  Server Side Connection Parameters ..................................................................................... 22 
7.3.2  Server Side Node Parameters .............................................................................................. 22 
7.3.3  Server Side Map Descriptor Parameters .............................................................................. 22 
7.3.3.1  FieldServer Related Map Descriptor Parameters .......................................................... 22 
7.3.3.2  Driver Related Map Descriptor Parameters ................................................................... 23 
7.3.3.3  Timing Parameters ......................................................................................................... 23 
7.3.4  Map Descriptor Example ....................................................................................................... 24 
Appendix A Useful Features .................................................................................................................... 25 
Appendix A.1 Using UNVT’s ................................................................................................................... 25 
Appendix A.2 Using NV_Min, NV_Max, Etc. ........................................................................................... 25 
Appendix A.3 Throttling Mode (Send Heartbeat) .................................................................................... 25 
Appendix A.4 XIF Generation .................................................................................................................. 26 
Appendix A.5 Configuration Properties ................................................................................................... 26 
Appendix A.5.1 Configuration Examples ............................................................................................. 27 
Appendix A.5.1.1 Config Network Variable Map Descriptors Applied to Output NV’s .................... 27 
Appendix A.5.1.2 Config Network Variable Map Descriptors Applied to Input NV’s ....................... 28 
Appendix A.6 LonMark Object Creation .................................................................................................. 28 
Appendix A.6.1. LonMark Config file Example – Open Loop “Water Temperature” Sensor ............... 28 
Appendix A.7 Node Status Operation ..................................................................................................... 29 
Appendix A.8 Working with Binary Data .................................................................................................. 29 
Appendix A.9 Filtering SNVT Variables................................................................................................... 30 
Appendix A.9.1. SNVT_Option Field ................................................................................................... 30 
Appendix A.9.2. SNVT_Units Field ...................................................................................................... 30 
Appendix A.9.3. Map Descriptor Example ........................................................................................... 31 
Appendix A.9.1.1 Selecting Multiple Convert Units on SNVT_flow and SNVT_flow_f ................... 31 
Appendix A.10 Accessing Remote Configuration Properties Implemented as Embedded Files ............ 32 
Appendix A.10.1. General Notes ......................................................................................................... 32 
Appendix A.10.2. Determining if NVs Are Used to Expose CPs ......................................................... 32 
Appendix A.10.2.1. Accessing CPs Exposed as NVs ..................................................................... 32 
Appendix A.10.3. Determining if Embedded Files Are Used to Expose CPs ...................................... 32 
Appendix A.10.3.1. Accessing CPs Exposed as Files .................................................................... 33 
Appendix B Vendor Information .............................................................................................................. 40 
Appendix B.1 Echelon LonMaker ............................................................................................................ 40 
Appendix B.1.1 Using LonMaker to Commission the FieldServer ....................................................... 40 
Appendix B.1.2. Removing Previous FieldServer Device Templates in LonMaker ............................. 40 
Appendix B.2 Checking LonWorks
®
 Network Using Echelon’s NodeUtility.exe ..................................... 41 
Appendix B.3 Neuron Systems ............................................................................................................... 42 
Appendix B.4 Honeywell Care ................................................................................................................. 42 
Appendix B.5 CARE and LON PT link Integration .................................................................................. 43 
Appendix B.6 Circon_SI .......................................................................................................................... 45 
Appendix B.7 Tridium JACE .................................................................................................................... 46 
Appendix B.7.1. Correcting SNVT Indexing Problem in Tridium Niagara ........................................... 46 
Appendix B.8 Trane Rover ...................................................................................................................... 46 
Appendix B.9 Trane Tracer SC ............................................................................................................... 46 
Appendix C Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................... 47 
Appendix C.1 Debugging a LonWorks connection: Hints and tips .......................................................... 47 
Appendix C.2 Error Messages ................................................................................................................ 47 
Appendix C.2.1. Error Message Lonlive.c 121 .................................................................................... 47 
Appendix C.3 Communication Errors using Neuron_ID Polling .............................................................. 47 
Appendix C.4 Monitoring Node Status .................................................................................................... 47 
Appendix C.5 Exposing Operation Statistics ........................................................................................... 48 
Appendix C.6 “Illegal” Characters in Network Variable Names .............................................................. 48 
Appendix C.7 Service types currently supported for network variable messages .................................. 49 
Appendix C.8 Combining Explicit and Implicit ......................................................................................... 49 

LonWorks Driver Manual

Table of Contents

Appendix D Reference .............................................................................................................................. 50

Appendix D.1 LonMark Profiles ............................................................................................................... 50

Appendix D.2 Performance Tests for LonMark Certified blocks ............................................................. 50

Appendix D.2.1. Startup Times, 10 Input Blocks and 10 Output Blocks Totalling 80 NVs .................. 50

Appendix D.2.2. Startup Times, 20 Input Blocks and 20 Output Blocks Totalling 160 NVs ................ 50

Appendix D.3 SNVT_Type ...................................................................................................................... 51

Appendix D.4 SNVT_Type by Number.................................................................................................... 72

Appendix D.5 How to Interpret an XIF file ............................................................................................... 73

LonWorks Driver Manual

Page 6 of 74

DESCRIPTION

The LonWorks driver allows the FieldServer to transfer data to and from devices using LonWorks

protocol. The FieldServer can emulate either a Server or Client. The FS-B30, QuickServer and SlotServer

Series FieldServers have a built-in LonWorks Interface. A Fieldbus connection is available on the

FieldServer. The FS-B30 and the SlotServer can handle up to 4096 Network Variables which can be of

the Standard Network Variable Types (SNVT) and/or User-defined Network Variable Types (UNVT), and

the QuickServer can handle 250 Network Variables (or a limit of 500 for the enhanced model).

DEFINITIONS

2.1 NV Updates/Polls

On LonWorks networks, information is transferred using Network Variable Updates and Network Variable

Polls. The Client requests Network Variables from the Server using Network Variable Polls and Network

Variable Updates occur when a Client sends Network Variables to a Server.

2.2 Network Management

The FieldServer is able to set its own Domain, Subnet and Node ID at start-up using the FieldServer

configuration file. Alternatively, the FieldServer is capable of being commissioned and bound by Network

Management Tools such as LonMaker

- see Appendix B.1.1 for further information.

2.2.1 LonWorks – Program ID Calculation (SPID)

Network management tools use the Program ID to identify the different applications running on each

device. Two devices on a network may have the same Program ID only if they have identical

application/configurations.

The Program ID for the FieldServer consists of a fixed and a variable field (XX in the Program ID below).

90:00:95:47:1E:02:04:XX

The fixed part does not change for different configuration files or for different LonWorks driver versions.

The variable part XX, which is also defined as the Model or Revision number, does however change.

The variable part is calculated at start-up when the configuration is loaded on the FieldServer. Certain

critical fields in the configuration file are used to calculate this variable part of the Program ID. Thus if the

configuration file changes significantly (critical fields) the Program ID will change. Also, as we add new

features and capabilities to the LonWorks driver, this variable part of the Program ID may be different

between LonWorks driver versions (even though the configuration file is the same).

It is possible though very unlikely that through a change in LonWorks driver and/or configuration file, the

program IDs calculates out identical to another combination of driver and configuration. If this is the case

with two FieldServers on the same network that run different configurations, one of these devices may fail

to commission properly.

The calculated SPID can be found in line 5 of the fserver.xif file uploaded from the FieldServer.

The following configuration can be used to force the SPID:

Connections

Adapter

, Protocol

, SPID

LonWorks

, LonWorks

, 80:00:95:48:50:02:04:01

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Page 7 of 74

2.3 Clients/Servers

The FieldServer functions as a Client when polling or sending updates on the LonWorks network and as a

Server when being polled or receiving updates. The FieldServer can be bound to a maximum number of

15 LonWorks Nodes. The FieldServer recommended point limit is 4096 points for the FS-B30.

2.4 Explicit/Implicit

Clients can address Servers using explicit or implicit addressing. Clients using explicit addressing obtain

their data transfer parameters directly from the FieldServer configuration file. Implicit addressing is used

when a Network Management Tool such as LonMaker

is used to connect a FieldServer to other

LonWorks Nodes - the FieldServer is assigned its data transfer (binding) parameters by the Network

Management Tool.

NOTE: Updating a configuration file or a profile change may result in a change in the XIF file. Any

changes in the XIF will require the FieldServer to be recommissioned.

2.5 XIF Files

At start-up the FieldServer creates an external interface file (XIF) called fserver.xif based on the

configuration file. The FieldServer differs from most other LonWorks drivers in that it is configurable and

therefore its XIF is not fixed for all applications. The list of points available to the network will vary

depending on the other networks connected to the FieldServer, and the requirements of the particular

application. The recommended procedure for obtaining the XIF file is to upload it using the FieldServer

FS-GUI page. Refer to Appendix A.4 for more information.

2.6 Device Resource Files

The STANDARD device resource file covers FieldServer data type support. All Standard Network

Variable Types (SNVTs) in this file are available to the user. These SNVTs are listed in Section 6.1.3.

However, due to the sophisticated nature of LonWorks variables, it may not always be possible to

typecast the full information supplied in a LonWorks variable to a simple Data Type contained in another

protocol. The FieldServer supports Move and Logic functions which would allow the LonWorks variable to

be split up and passed to separate simple data types, thus preventing information loss. The FieldServer

also supports the sending and receiving of User-defined Network Variable Types (UNVTs) on the

LonWorks Network. An UNVT is simply implemented as an array of bytes of user-defined length.

2.7 NV Aliases

The FieldServer currently supports a default of 63 network variable aliases to avoid network variable

connection constraints. This number may be increased to a maximum of 4096.

LonWorks Driver Manual

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2.8 Configuration Properties

Configuration Properties (CP’s) characterize the behavior of a device in the system. Network installation

tools realize this attribute and provide database storage to support maintenance operations. If a device

fails and needs to be replaced, the configuration property data stored in the database is downloaded into

the replacement device to restore the behavior of the replaced device in the system. Configuration

properties are implemented on the FieldServer through configuration network variables. User-defined

configuration property types are not supported. Appendix A.5 provides a list of standard configuration

property types that are supported.

The information that follows describes how to expand upon the factory defaults provided in the

configuration files included with the FieldServer.

DRIVER SCOPE OF SUPPLY

3.1 Supplied by Sierra Monitor

Part #

Description

FS-8700-21

Driver Manual

3.2 Provided by the Supplier of 3

Party Equipment

Part #

Description

N/A

LonMaker

Integration Tool from Echelon Corporation (optional network management

software)

N/A

LonWatcher from Distech Controls Inc. (optional network management software)

N/A

Circon System Integrator from Circon Systems Corporation (optional network management

software)

PCC10

PCCard LonWorks Adapter (optional hardware)

3.3 Additional Files Required

Filename

Auto-Created

by driver

Always Loaded

by Sierra

Monitor

Conditionally

loaded

Comments

Config.csv

Template loaded if no custom

configuration ordered, otherwise

Custom configuration loaded.

fserver.xif

Generated at power up. Changes if

profile in configuration changes.

lon.ini

Used for providing default DSN.

Refer to Section 7.1.4.

lonvars.cfg

Maintains commissioning settings. If

corrupted, delete it, and reboot

FieldServer to create new one.

LonWorks Driver Manual

Page 9 of 74

HARDWARE CONNECTIONS

The screw plug supplied with the FieldServer LonWorks interface will connect the FieldServer to the FTT-

10 network. The 2-wire twisted-pair connection to the network is polarity insensitive. The FTT-10 network

is a free topology network which supports star, loop and/or bus wiring connections. Refer to the FTT-10A

Free Topology Transceiver User’s Guide from Echelon Corporation for recommended wiring practices if

necessary. Additional information on cabling and junction boxes that may be used in twisted pair

LonWorks networks are detailed in the following Echelon publication:

http://www.echelon.com/support/documentation/bulletin/005-0023-01O_Jbox_wiring.pdf.

The connection diagram below shows how the FS-B30 is connected to a LonWorks network:

NOTE: Configure the remote LonWorks devices according to manufacturer’s instructions.

4.1 Service Pin

The service pin is used to commission the FieldServer onto the network using a LonWorks Network

Management tool.

4.2 Neuron ID

The driver prints the Neuron ID on the Driver Message Screen as its starts. On all platforms, the driver

can store the Neuron ID in a Data Array so that it can be read by a Client node – refer also to Appendix

C.5.

4.3 Lon LED’s

The location of the Lon LED varies between FieldServers. Consult specific FieldServer start-up guides for

details. The Lon LED is consistent with the table below for all FieldServers. Note that the LED does not

indicate Lon communications, but is a Service LED coupled with the Service Pin which indicates whether

the LonWorks interface on the FieldServer is configured or not. It asks for service when flashing and

indicates a problem when flashing as described below:

• The LED is solid ON when the neuron is blank or has a hardware failure.

• The LED blinks as 0.5s intervals when the neuron has not been configured with address

information (no Lon DCC loaded).

• The LED is OFF when a Lon DCC is loaded.

FieldBus

Connector

To other

LonWorks

Nodes

To other

LonWorks

Nodes

FieldServer Interface

LonWorks Driver Manual

Page 10 of 74

DATA ARRAY PARAMETERS

Data Arrays are “protocol neutral” data buffers for storage of data to be passed between protocols. It is

necessary to declare the data format of each of the Data Arrays to facilitate correct storage of the relevant

data. More information is available in Appendix D.

Section Title

Data_Arrays

Column Title

Function

Legal Values

Data_Array_Name

Provide name for Data Array.

Up to 15 alphanumeric

characters

Data_Array_Format

Provide data format. Each Data Array can only take

on one format.

Float, Bit, UInt16, SInt16,

IInt32, SInt32 (Appendix

Data_Array_Length

Number of Data Objects. Must be larger than the

data storage area required by the Map Descriptors

for the data being placed in this array.

1-10, 000

Example

// Data Arrays

Data_Arrays

Data_Array_Name

, Data_Array_Format

, Data_Array_Length

DA_AI_01

, UInt16,

, 200

DA_AO_01

, UInt16

, 200

DA_DI_01

, Bit

, 200

DA_DO_01

, Bit

, 200

IMPLICIT CONFIGURATIONS

6.1 Special Considerations

Implicit addressing is used when a Network Management Tool such as LonMaker

is used to connect a

FieldServer to other LonWorks nodes - the FieldServer is assigned its data transfer (binding) parameters

by the Network Management Tool.

6.1.1 Map Descriptor Names (Network Variable Names)

When using Implicit configuration, the LonWorks driver provides a table of Network Variables for other

Nodes to read. These Nodes access the variables according to Index numbers which are automatically

assigned by the driver according to the Map Descriptor definition order in the configuration file. The driver

also creates an identification table for configuration nodes to read the name and types of variables

available on the FieldServer. Within the LonWorks protocol, this table size is limited to 64K bytes. If the

application requires a large number of Server mappings (up to 4096), it will be necessary to limit the

variable name length. Each Server mapping requires 4 bytes plus the length of the name from this 64K

block.

LonWorks Driver Manual

Page 11 of 74

6.1.2 Implicit LonWorks Functions

Implicit Map Descriptors are distinguished from Explicit Map Descriptors by the function used in the

Lon_Function field of the Map Descriptor. Depending on the nature and direction of Data Transfer

needed, different implicit functions are available as follows (function field MUST pair up with the

Lon_Function field as shown in the table below).

Lon_Function

Description

Function Field

NVUI

Network Variable Update Input.

PASSIVE

NVPO

Network Variable Polled Output.

NVPIIMC

Network Variable Polled Input Implicitly addressed

Continuously sent.

RDBC

NVUOIMC

Network Variable Update Output Implicitly addressed

Continuously sent.

WRBC

NVUOIMX

Network Variable Update Output Implicitly addressed and sent

on Change.

WRBX

NVUOIMT

Network Variable Update Output Implicitly addressed sent in

Throttling Mode.

WRBC (Appendix

A.3)

CFG_NVUI

Configuration Network Variable Update Input.

PASSIVE

6.1.3 SNVT_Index

For implicitly addressed Client Map Descriptors and all Server side Map Descriptors the driver will assign

an index to each one, starting from 0 and incrementing to 4095, in the order they appear in the

configuration file.

6.1.4 Address Table Limit

It is important to note the limitation within LonWorks Implicit addressing that the Address Table used for

storing the addresses of all active connections made with the FieldServer is limited to 16 Device

Addresses including that of the FieldServer. This is a LonWorks limitation, not a FieldServer limitation,

and it means that the FieldServer can only make active implicit connections to 15 other devices. If active

connections to more than 15 devices are required, then it is necessary to use Explicit Configuration

(NMFETCHC is recommended).

Devices that write to passive Map Descriptors in the FieldServer only are not placed in this table and

therefore this limitation does not apply. (A Passive Map Descriptor is recognized by the Passive

Parameter in the Function Field).

6.1.5 Network Management Capability

When commissioning an implicitly configured FieldServer using the "Traditional" binding method, the

configuration parameters below are all that is needed to achieve this purpose. For hints and tips on how

to commission the FieldServer using the various Vendor devices refer to Appendix B.

It is possible to set the FieldServer Online and Offline using the Network Management Tools. This is a

LonWorks function, and is different from the traditional Online and Offline Status discussed in other

FieldServer documentation. When the FieldServer is set offline using this LonWorks feature it will not

communicate with other LonWorks devices.

LonWorks Driver Manual

Page 12 of 74

6.1.6 Client vs Server Mapping

Distinguishing Client from Server in the LonWorks Environment is more difficult due to the "Peer to Peer"

nature of LonWorks design. Clients and Servers can be identified in this environment as follows:

• Clients will write Setpoints and have status written to them, so expect Setpoints and Control

Points on the Output side, and Status and Alarms on the Input side.

• Servers will have the opposite structure, with Setpoints and Control Points on the Input Side and

Staus and Alarms on the Output side.

Distinguishing Client from Server is important to ensure correct matching with other protocols being used

on a FieldServer. For example, it would not be useful to map an Output to a BACnet AI point as both

points will be expecting to push data out of the FieldServer.

NOTE: In the tables below, * indicates an optional parameter, with the bold legal value being the

default.

6.2 Client Side Mapping

6.2.1 Client Side Connection Parameters

Section Title

Connections

Column Title

Function

Legal Values

Protocol

Specify protocol used

LonWorks

Example

// Client Side Connections

Connections

Adapter

, Protocol

LonWorks

, LonWorks

6.2.2 Client Side Node Parameters

Section Title

Nodes

Column Title

Function

Legal Values

Node_Name

Provide name for Node.

Up to 32 alphanumeric

characters

Protocol

Specify protocol used.

LonWorks

Startup_Write

Initiate a send on startup. Refer to Appendix A.3 for

more information.

Enabled, Disabled

Example

// Client Side Nodes

Nodes

Node_Name

, Protocol

LON_1

, LonWorks

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Page 13 of 74

6.2.3 Client Side Map Descriptor Parameters

6.2.3.1 FieldServer Related Map Descriptor Parameters

Column Title

Function

Legal Values

Map_Descriptor_Name

Name of this Map Descriptor.

(Network Variable Name)

Up to 16 alphanumeric characters

Data_Array_Name

Name of Data Array where data is to

be stored or fetched from in the

FieldServer.

One of the Data Array names defined

in Section 5

Data_Array_Offset

Starting location in Data Array.

0 to (Data_Array_Length-1) as

specified in Section 5

Lon_Function

Detailed Function of Client Map

Descriptor.

See Section 6.1.2 for a list of valid

entries for Implicit Connections

Function

Function of Client Map Descriptor.

See Section 6.1.2 for a list of valid

entries based on the Lon_Function

6.2.3.2 Driver Related Map Descriptor Parameters

Column Title

Function

Legal Values

Node_Name

Name of Node to fetch data from or send data to.

Needed for Explicit Addressing.

One of the Node names

specified in Section

6.2.2

SNVT_Type

Standard network variable type of the data.

Appendix D

SNVT_Option*

Specifies which record out of a complex SNVT we are

after.

Appendix A.9.1

SNVT_Units*

Specifies the measurement units (e.g. Metric or

English).

Appendix A.9.2

UNVT_Byte_Length*

Specifies the length in bytes of an UNVT. This

Parameter is compulsory when SNVT_Type is set to

UNVT, the parameter is not used in conjunction with

SNVT’s.

1-255 (Appendix A.1)

UNVT_ID

Specifies the Type Number to apply to this particular

UNVT. This Parameter is optional when SNVT_Type

is set to UNVT, the parameter is not used on

conjunction with SNVT’s.

0, 146-255 (Appendix

A.1)

NV_Min_Value*

Network Variable updates with values less than

specified in this field will be ignored.

Appendix A.2

NV_Max_Value*

Network Variable updates with values higher than

specified in this field will be ignored.

Appendix A.2

NV_Delta_Value*

Network Variable updates where the value’s delta

change is less than specified in this field will be

ignored unless the Max_Scan_Time Condition has

been met. Compulsory for Throttling Lon Functions,

used on other Lon Functions. It is possible to

configure a start-up write option for throttling Map

Descriptor functions instead of waiting for the

minimum scan time to pass. Refer to Appendix A.3.

Appendix A.2

LonWorks Driver Manual

Page 14 of 74

NV_Selfdoc_Text*

The Self-Documenting String for this Network

Variable.

Normal Text up to a

length of 40 characters;

defaults to "" for

parameters using string

values and 0 for

parameters using

numeric values

6.2.3.3 Timing Parameters

Column Title

Function

Legal Values

Scan_Interval

Seconds per scan.

0-32000

Min_Scan_Time

Minimum Scan Time in seconds.

Appendix A.3

Max_Scan_Time

Maximum Scan Time in seconds.

Appendix A.3

6.2.4 Client Side Map Descriptor Example

// Client Side Map Descriptors

Map_Descriptors

Map_Descriptor_Name

, Data_Array_Name

, Data_Array_Offset

, Lon_Function

, Function

, Node_Name

, SNVT_Type

TempOut1

, DA_FO_01

, 0

, NVUOIMT

, Wrbc

, LON_1

, SNVT_Temp_f

TempOut2

, DA_FO_01

, 1

, NVUOIMX

, Wrbc

, LON_1

, SNVT_Temp_f

TempOut3

, DA_FO_01

, 2

, NVUOIMC

, Wrbc

, LON_1

, SNVT_Temp_f

TempIn

, DA_FI_01

, 0

, NVPIIMT

, Rdbc

, LON_1

, SNVT_Temp_f

, Nv_Delta_Value

, Min_Scan_Time

, Max_Scan_Time

, Scan_Interval

, 10

, 5

, 20

, -

, 20

, -

, 5

Required for Throttling Mode: This field specifies the

minimum change needed for a Network Variable’s

value to invoke an NV Update.

For Non-Throttled Client

Map Descriptors the

Scan_Interval determines

the update rate.

The Data Array will be sampled and

evaluated for delta change once

every Min_Scan_Time (seconds).

This field determines the Map

Descriptor’s function. See Section

6.1.2 for more information.

If found during Min_Scan_Time

sampling (Throttling Mode) that

Max_Scan_Time has elapsed

since the last NV Update, a

new NV Update will be

transmitted.

LonWorks Driver Manual

Page 15 of 74

EXPLICIT CONFIGURATIONS

7.1 Special Considerations

With Explicit configuration, the FieldServer communicates directly with other devices by specifying the

remote device address in the FieldServer configuration.

All the Servers and their Clients need to be on the same domain to be able to communicate. If the

LonWorks device’s Node ID is not known, it may be read using a utility program e.g. NodeUtil or using a

LonWorks Analyzer. All the Client Node CSV files need to have their Subnet_ID and Node_ID parameters

set to point to their respective Server Subnet and Node ID values. Once the FieldServers are restarted

the network should function correctly.

7.1.1 Map Descriptor Names (Network Variable Names)

As a Server, the LonWorks driver provides a table of Network Variables for other Nodes to read. These

Nodes access the variables according to Index numbers which are automatically assigned by the driver

according to the Map Descriptor definition order in the configuration file. The driver also creates an

identification table for configuration nodes to read the name and types of variables available on the

FieldServer. Within the LonWorks protocol, this table size is limited to 64K bytes. If the application

requires a large number of Server mappings (up to 4096), it will be necessary to limit the variable name

length. Each Server mapping requires 4 bytes plus the length of the name from this 64K block.

7.1.2 LonWorks Functions

Explicit Map Descriptors are distinguished from Implicit Map Descriptors by the function used in the

Lon_Function field of the Map Descriptor. Depending on the nature and direction of Data Transfer needed

different explicit functions are available as shown below.

NOTE:

• Function field MUST pair up with the Lon_Function field as shown in the table below.

• NMFETCHC is the preferred Lon Function for most applications. (Section 7.1.5)

Lon_Function

Description

Function Field

NVUI

Network Variable Update Input.

SERVER

NVPO

Network Variable Polled Output.

NVPIEXC

Network Variable Polled Input Explicitly addressed Continuously

sent.

RDBC

NVUOEXC

Network Variable Update Output Explicitly addressed Continuously

sent.

WRBC

NVUOEXX

Network Variable Update Output Explicitly addressed and sent on

Change.

WRBX

NVUOEXT

Network Variable Update Output Explicitly addressed sent in

Throttling Mode.

WRBC

NMFETCHC

Network Management Network Variable Fetch Continuously sent

(Explicit Addressing only).

RDBC

CFG_NVUI

Configuration Network Variable Update Input.

SERVER

7.1.3 SNVT_Index

The SNVT_Index field must be specified for all explicitly addressed Client Map Descriptors. These Client

Map Descriptors use this field to index their relevant Map Descriptors on the Server side.

LonWorks Driver Manual

Page 16 of 74

7.1.4 Domain Table Setup

To be able to communicate with other Nodes on the LonWorks network, the FieldServer must have its

Domain, Subnet and Node ID’s set. Explicit configuration requires the user to set these parameters.

There are 3 ways in which the FieldServer DSN (Domain, Subnet, Node address) can be set:

• Set the DSN using a Network manager by commissioning the FieldServer into the Network

Manager Project. When doing it this way, it is extremely important that the DSN is not forced in

the FieldServer Configuration, as the Configuration address will override the Network Manager

Address every time the FieldServer is restarted.

• Set the DSN from the Lon.ini file. Using this option provides a default DSN if the FieldServer does

not have a DSN assigned. If a Network Manager or the FieldServer Configuration provides a

DSN, then the Lon.ini DSN will be ignored.

• Set the DSN in the FieldServer configuration. This option takes precedence over the 2 other

addressing options, and should therefore not be used when commissioning a FieldServer into a

Network with a Network Manager.

Example 1: Setting the Domain and Subnet from the lon.ini file

The Domain Table and Subnet IDs can be set from a lon.ini file on the FieldServer. The FieldServer’s

LonWorks Node ID will be set from the System_Station_Address field in the configuration file if specified;

otherwise a default value will be used.

lon.ini file contents:

:D50:S01:

Example 2: Setting the Node, Domain and Subnet in the configuration file

FieldServer

System_Station_Address

, Title

[Node_Id]

, :D[Domain_ID]:S[Subnet_ID]:[Title continued…]

The Title field must start with “:D”, followed by the Domain_ID in hexadecimal notation, followed by “:S”,

followed by the Subnet_ID in hexadecimal notation. The domain length is automatically determined by the

number of digits in the [Domain_ID] field. Since 2 hexadecimal digits constitute 1 byte, “:D123456:” for

example would have a length of 3.

Specifying the Domain and Subnet in the configuration file will override the settings from the lon.ini file.

7.1.5 Network Management

The NVPIEXC command generally used for polling has the limitation that data can only move in one

direction (Server to Client). The added functionality of a Write-through was added to the network

management fetch command (NMFETCHC) to provide movement of data back to the polled node. Thus,

should the data in the Data Array linked to a NMFETCHC Map Descriptor change by another process, the

data will be propagated to the polled node by means of a network variable update.

Another useful feature of the NMFETCHC function is that it can perform reads to any other type of Node

function (NVUI, CFG_NVUI, NVUOEXX, NVPIIMC, etc.). This means that even Client Map Descriptors

can be read this way.

Network management fetch requests received on polled nodes are handled differently from normal NV

Poll requests. The response to a NV Poll will contain valid data. Data is valid if the node that is the source

of the data is online and if this data is not too old. The data in the response to a network management

fetch will not be checked for validity, however, it will simply respond with the current data in the variable.

LonWorks Driver Manual

Page 17 of 74

7.2 Client Side Configuration

7.2.1 Client Side Connection Parameters

Section Title

Connections

Column Title

Function

Legal Values

Adapter

Adapter Name.

LonWorks

Protocol

Specify protocol used.

LonWorks

Default_Service*

Specify messaging service used.

Ack, UnAck

Example

// Client Side Connections

Connections

Adapter

, Protocol

, Default_Service

LonWorks

, LonWorks

, Ack

Only applies to explicit addressing mode. Use Network Management Tool to set desired service type for implicit messaging. UnAck

Service is commonly used to achieve quicker network variable update rates, but message delivery is not guaranteed.

LonWorks Driver Manual

Page 18 of 74

7.2.2 Client Side Node Parameters

Section Title

Nodes

Column Title

Function

Legal Values

Node_Name

Provide name for Node.

Up to 32 alphanumeric

characters.

Subnet_ID

Server (destination) Node’s Subnet ID of an

explicitly addressed message.

1-255

Node_ID

Server (destination) Node’s Node ID of an

explicitly addressed message.

1-127

Protocol

Specify protocol used.

LonWorks

Startup_Write

Initiate a send on startup. Refer to Appendix

A.3 for more information.

Enabled, Disabled

NM_Extended_Commands*

Used to enable Wink install type network

management messages on network variable

updates from NMFETCHC function Write-

Throughs. Certain devices only allow Wink

install messages updating network variables.

Enabled, Disabled

Readback_Option*

This Client Side parameter enables the user

to configure the timing of a read after a write.

The Readback operation will apply to all

drivers that support Active Reads and Write-

Through operations.

Readback_Asynchronously - When a write

occurs, the read will occur when scheduled.

Readback_On_Write - When a write occurs,

set the timer to 0, so Responsible Map

Descriptor gets queued in the next cycle.

Readback_Immediately_On_Write -

Prioritize both write and read to happen in a

higher priority queue than normal reads. The

Readback operation will apply to all drivers

that support Active Reads and Write-Through

operation.

Readback_

Asynchronously,

Readback_

Asynchronously,

Readback_Immediately

_On_Write

Example

// Client Side Nodes

Nodes

Node_Name

, Subnet_ID

, Node_ID

, Protocol

, NM_Extended_Commands

, Readback_Option

LON_1

, 1

, LonWorks

, Enabled

, Readback_Asynchronously

LonWorks Driver Manual

Page 19 of 74

7.2.3 Client Side Map Descriptor Parameters

7.2.3.1 Driver Related Map Descriptor Parameters

Column Title

Function

Legal Values

Node_Name

Name of Node to fetch data from or send data to.

Needed for Explicit Addressing.

One of the Node Names

specified in Section

7.2.2.

SNVT_Index

Server Network Variable Index.

0-4095

SNVT_Type

Standard network variable type of the data.

Appendix D

SNVT_Option*

Specifies which record out of a complex SNVT we

are after.

Appendix A.9.1

SNVT_Units*

Specifies the measurement units when units other

than Metric are required.

Appendix A.9.2

UNVT_Byte_Length*

Specifies the length in bytes of an UNVT. This

Parameter is compulsory when SNVT_Type is set to

UNVT, the parameter is not used on conjunction with

SNVT’s.

1-255 (Appendix A.1)

UNVT_ID

Specifies the Type Number to apply to this particular

UNVT. This Parameter is optional when SNVT_Type

is set to UNVT. The parameter is not used on

conjunction with SNVT’s.

0, 146-255 (Appendix

A.1)

NV_Min_Value*

Network Variable updates with values less than

specified in this field will be ignored.

Appendix A.2

NV_Max_Value*

Network Variable updates with values higher than

specified in this field will be ignored.

Appendix A.2

NV_Delta_Value*

Network Variable updates where the value’s delta

change is less than specified in this field will be

ignored unless the Max_Scan_Time Condition has

been met. Compulsory for Throttling Lon Functions,

not used on other Lon Functions. It is possible to

configure a start-up write option for throttling Map

Descriptor functions instead of waiting for the

minimum scan time to pass. Refer to Appendix A.3.

Appendix A.2

NV_Selfdoc_Text*

The Self-Documenting String for this Network

Variable.

Normal Text up to a

length of 40 characters.

Defaults to "" for

parameters using string

values and 0 for

parameters using

numeric values.

7.2.3.2 Timing Parameters

Column Title

Function

Legal Values

Scan_Interval*

Seconds per scan.

0-32000, 2s

Min_Scan_Time*

Minimum Scan Time in seconds. Compulsory for Throttling Lon

Functions only. Not used on other Lon Functions.

Appendix A.3

Max_Scan_Time*

Maximum Scan Time in seconds. Compulsory for Throttling

Lon Functions only. Not used on other Lon Functions.

Appendix A.3

LonWorks Driver Manual

Page 20 of 74

7.2.4 Map Descriptor Examples

7.2.4.1 Explicit Config Using Network Management Polls

The Map Descriptor pollTemp_p shows the use of SNVT_Units for Scaling when polling temperature

The Map Descriptor pollSwitch shows the use of SNVT_Option for Selective data scanning. This only

brings in the “State” portion of SNVT_Switch.

Map_Descriptors

Map_Descriptor_Name

, Data_Array_Name

, Data_Array_Offset

, Lon_Function

, Function

, Node_Name

pollTemp_p

, DA_Explicit

, 1

, NMFETCHC

, Rdbc

, Remote_Node

pollSwitch

, DA_Explicit

, 2

, NMFETCHC

, Rdbc

, Remote_Node

, SNVT_Index

, SNVT_Type

, SNVT_Units

, SNVT_Option

, Scan_Interval

, 0

, SNVT_temp_p

, Deg_F

, -

, 1.0s

, 1

, SNVT_switch

, -

, State

, 1.0s

7.2.4.2 Polling UNVT’s

Map_Descriptors

Map_Descriptor_Name

, Data_Array_Name

, Data_Array_Offset

, Lon_Function

, Function

pollUNVT

, DA_Explicit

, 101

, NMFETCHC

, Rdbc

, Node_Name

, SNVT_Index

, SNVT_Type

, UNVT_Byte_Length

, Scan_Interval

, Remote_Node

, 2

, UNVT

, 31

, 1.0s

Explicitly Addressed Client Map Descriptors use

this field to point to their relevant Server Map

Descriptors.

This field determines the Map Descriptor’s

function. See Section 7.2.3 for information.

Explicitly addressed Client Map Descriptors use

this field to extract the correct variable from the

remote device's external interface.

UNVT Byte length must be

specified for correct operation.

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FieldServer LonWorks 8700-21 Owner's manual

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Model: LonWorks 8700-21

Category: Software

Type: Owner's manual

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FieldServer LonWorks 8700-21 Owner's manual

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